Texas A & M University will operate the R/V GYRE during 1990 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF-funded research projects. The GYRE is a 182' general research vessel constructed by the U.S. Navy in 1973 and modified in 1980 and 1984. Texas A&M operates the GYRE under a charter agreement effective for five years from 1 March 1989. The ship operates primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and northeastern Atlantic. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research projects. Most oceanographic research projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from a ship's crew members. An increasing number of research projects require equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship and for which the ship must be specifically designed. Such equipment also requires highly trained crew members for maintenance and operation. These vessels do not operate in the same manner as general cargo or fishing vessels, and therefore, NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research. These vessels are operated by universities and research institutions around the country.
